Veteran actor T.K. Carter, best known for his iconic role as the roller-skating chef Nauls in John Carpenter's 1982 horror classic The Thing and as teacher Mike Fulton on the 1980s sitcom Punky Brewster, has passed away. He was 69.
Here are some memorable photos from his life and career:
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Carter was found deceased on January 9, 2026, at his home in Duarte, California, following a welfare check after a 9-1-1 call around 5:42 PM. Authorities from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department confirmed no foul play is suspected, and the cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Born Thomas Kent Carter on December 18, 1956, in New York City (and raised in Southern California), he began performing stand-up comedy at age 12 and made his on-screen debut in 1976 on Police Woman. His breakthrough came with The Thing, where he starred alongside Kurt Russell.
He enjoyed a prolific career spanning decades, with notable roles in films like Runaway Train (1985), Space Jam (1996), and TV shows including The Steve Harvey Show, The Corner (where his performance as Gary McCullough earned critical praise), and more recent appearances on Dave and The Company You Keep in 2023.
His publicist, Tony Freeman, remembered him as "a consummate professional and a genuine soul whose talent transcended genres. He brought laughter, truth, and humanity to every role he touched."
Fans and colleagues continue to pay tribute to his versatile legacy in comedy, drama, and horror.
Rest in peace, T.K. Carter. Your performances will live on.
Here are additional classic shots highlighting his roles:
(Article updated as of January 11, 2026 – no new developments on cause of death.)
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